Contributing Factors To A Dog's Hip Dysplasia

Many dogs are at risk of developing hip dysplasia, which is a serious condition that affects the animal's hip joints. This is a condition that can be uncomfortable for your pet and dramatically reduce its mobility and quality of life, so it's important to see a veterinarian if you're starting to notice indicators of this condition. While hip dysplasia is genetic and more likely in certain dog breeds, there are several contributing factors that can cause this condition to advance quickly. Here are some contributing factors that may play a role if your dog has hip dysplasia.

Overweight

A dog that is overweight is more likely to suffer from hip dysplasia than a dog that maintains a healthy weight throughout its life. Just as humans who are overweight can face various ailments with their joints, a dog that is too heavy will be putting a lot of pressure on its hip joints with each step that it takes. This causes a faster deterioration of the ball and socket than if the dog were lighter in weight. If your veterinarian believes that your dog's weight is contributing to its hip dysplasia symptoms, they'll almost certainly encourage some dietary changes that can lower the animal's weight.

Sedentary Lifestyle

There are lots of reasons that it's important for your dog to have an active lifestyle, but not every pet owner always provides opportunities for their dogs to keep active. A sedentary lifestyle can be a contributing factor to hip dysplasia, as joints are more prone to deteriorating rapidly when they don't get enough movement. Regular walks and dog park visits may reduce the risk of hip dysplasia, but if you're already noticing symptoms in your pet, it's likely that your vet will strongly recommend daily walks for the dog.

Poor Nutrition

Poor nutrition is also likely to increase the risk of your dog developing hip dysplasia. Feeding the dog too much can cause it to gain weight which makes hip dysplasia likely, but other scenarios can occur. Even if the dog isn't overweight, poor nutrition can cause the dog to lack the nutrients that its bones require for healthy growth. If the bones aren't getting the nutrients they need, they can deteriorate and eventually lead to the symptoms of hip dysplasia. Your veterinarian will ask about your dog's diet and may recommend some food changes if they believe that poor nutrition is contributing to this condition.

Visit a local veterinarian clinic to learn more.